Eat Some Snacks
We’ve heard that stress eating is bad for the health, but science says: ‘Well, not exactly.’

According to Dr. Drew Ramsey of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, “Stress is a brain and immune system-mediated phenomena, and your gut is the largest organ in your immune system.” If your brain is already overworked by stress, you can always ease it out by filling your stomach with snacks. Bananas are a good choice for a snack. They help regulate our blood pressure, which rises when we feel stressed and improve our energy and recovery.

Take a 10 Minute Walk
Taking a stroll in your neighborhood can be pretty relaxing. Scientists say it’s because the act of walking puts us in a state of mind called “involuntary attention.” It’s when our minds are gone totally blank, which allows us to meditate and reflect.

So, the next time you’re super stressed over your finals, take a break and walk around. You’d be surprised at how relieved you’d feel afterward.

Listen to Classical Music
Listening to classical music not only gives you a peaceful frame of mind, but soothes you enough to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decreases stress hormones. If you’re feeling stressed and you have some headphones with you, try setting down on the couch and listen to some classical music online. If classical music isn’t your tune, listen to your favorite playlist instead. Research shows that listening to music that you like increases levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurochemical.

Another good thing to listen is ASMR. While technically not a music, ASMR videos recreate sounds that give you tingling, soothing sensations across your neck and back. Some say it feels like audio massages! 

Plug-out 
Sometimes, the only way to destress is to have a 20-minute power nap. But, be sure to log out from social media sites first!

Seeing those messages and notifications on Social Media Sites and devices makes us more stressed as you would feel the need to reply or respond. If you want to feel the best effects of your power nap, log off from all social media accounts and other devices. It’s important to give yourself some ‘Me Time’ for your recuperation.

Laugh your Heart Out
Thinking pessimistically increases our stress levels, so what better way to reverse that by thinking positively!

When you’re feeling the overwhelming pressure of your studies, try finding a positive light. What can you learn from this experience and how can it benefit you as a person? If you’re too stressed to think of the positive experience from stress, just laugh. Laughing out loud increases our oxygen and blood flow, which immediately reduces stress.  

References:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/09/06/stress-relief-that-works_n_3842511.html
https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/nov/06/students-ten-ways-to-beat-stress

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
She is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.